Machine for facilitating insertion of enclosures in envelopes



s 1N ENvELoPEs F. H. BELLOWS 3 Sheets-Sheet April 16, 1957 MACHINE FOR FACILITATING INSERTION ENcLosURE Filed odi. 3o, 195s llllLl Il INVENTOR.

Frank/in H. Bellows. BY mfr/VM ATTORNEYS.

April 16, 1957 F, H, BELLOWS 2,788,627 v MACHINE FOR FACILITATING INSERTION oF ENcLcsUREs IN ENVELOPES Filed oct. 30, 1955 z snets-sheet' 2 IN VEN TOR,

Frank/in H. Bel/awa.

BY awww/Mq A TTORNEYS April 16, 1957 F, H, BELLOws 2,788,627

MACHINE FOR FACILITATING INSERTION OF' ENCLOSURES IN ENV'ELOPES Filed Oct. 30. 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

A T ToRA/Ers.

United States Patent MACHINE FOR FACILHTATING INSERTION 0F ENCLOSURES 1N ENVELOPES Franklin H. Bellows, Merriam, Kans.

Application Detober 30, 1953, Serial No. 389,446

10 Claims. (Cl. 53-39ll) This invention relates to a manually operable machine for facilitating the assembling and insertion -o' enclosures into envelopes for mailing, for example in commercial advertising by mail.

The principal object of the invention is to devise a semi-automatic device of this character by which the number of assembled mailing pieces can be greatly increased over the number that can usually be accomplished =by'hand operation.

Other objects` of the invention are to provide a machine with a support for a box of empty envelopes that may be pre-addressed in accordance with fa mailing list and lfrom which the envelopes are removed in order, lled with enclosures and delivered into a stackingbox thereby retaining the` lled. envelopes in the order ofthe mailing list; to provide Aspring loaded means for supporting the stacking box whereby the stacked envelopes automatically move into a cage portion of the machine as the box is filled, thereby keeping the iilled envelopes in orderly arrangement for convenient return `to the empty carton from which the envelopes were originally removed;` to provide the machine` with a plurality of racks from which the enclosures `are readily and individually removed when gathering and assembling them for enclosure in a mailing envelope; to provide a machine with an assembling unit for facilitating opening of the empty envelope when placed therein, ready to receive the gathered enclosures and to discharge the illled envelope into the stacking Ibox; and when desired, to provide the assembling unit with means for moistening and effecting a pressure seal of the closure flaps of the envelopes.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a semiautomatic gathering and assembling machine that is of` relatively simple and inexpensive construction and which permits an operator to gather and assemble the various enclosuresiwith a minimum of eort.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention hereinafter pointed out, l have provided improved structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1` is la perspective View of `a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention and which is shown in use to better illustrate the assembly operations.

Fig. 2` is a longitudinal section through the machine.

Fig. 3" is'. an enlarged' section through the assembling unit showing the method oi" drawing an empty envelope thereinto for opening the closure flap.

Fig. 4 is =a similar section showing discharge of the lled` envelope from the assembling unit.

Fig.` 5 is a perspectivey View showing a gum moistening mechanism in association with the `assembling unit when gummed envelopes are used.

Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are diagrammatical views showing operation of the moistening pressure sealing mechanism.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

1. designates a. machine constructed in accordance with the present invention which includes a table-like frame ice 2 which may be `formed of tubular material cut and shaped to provide side legs 3 land 4, carrying a substan tially open rectangular table top 5 including front and rear rails 6 and 7 that are connected with the upper ends ot the side legs and which are connected at the ends -by side rails 8 and 9. Also' connecting, the front and rear rails are spaced apart intermediate rails 1d and l1.

Supported on the side and intermediate rails of the main frame are upper frame sections 12 and 13, each having side rails 14 and 15 interconnected by a back rail 16. The side rails 14 and 1S are shorter in length than the side rails 8 and 9 and have forwardly projecting ends supported from the side and intermediate rails lby posts 17 and 1S. The back portion of the frame sections l2 and 13 is supported by upward continuations of the rear legs Iof the main section of the frame.`

Supported yby the side and intermediate rails 5-9 and 1i-11 at the respective sides of the machine and spaced rearwardlyv lfrom the front rail 5 are racks` 19 and 20. Each raclt includes a horizontal plate 21 that is preferably removably attached to the` side and intermediate rails by spring clips 22. Similarly supported at the upper level of the side rails 14 and15 of the upper `sections 12 and 13 of the frame, are similar racks 23, 2d and 25. The plate 21 ot each rack has -a forwardly pro jecting upwardly curved front portion 26 for a purpose to be later described. The plates each have central slots 27 extending in the forev and aft action of the machine, and projecting downwardly from the under side of each plate at `the ends of the slots 27 are ears Ztl yand 29 carrying a guide rod 3i). Formed on the end `of each plate 21 at opposite sides of the upturned front portions 2d, are up wardly inclined ears 3l and 32 carrying sockets 33 and 34- in which are adjusta'bly engaged legs 35 and 36 `of a transverse bar 37. The bar 37 mounts rollers 3S and 39, that engage the front pieces of stacks of inserts` that are placed on the respective plates. The transverse bars are adjustably retained in =a horizontal position relative to the size of the inserts by set screws 39 that are threaded through the wall of the sockets 33 and 54 to frictionally engage with the legs 35 and 36. Movably carried above each plate is la bael; rest 4t?, which inclines. rearwardly substantially in accordance with the inclination of the sockets 33 and 34. Each `back rest includes. a rearwardly extending flange portion 41 along, its lower edge, yand depending trom the under-side thereof isa lug d2 that is slidably mounted on a respective guide rod 3d. Rotatably mounted at the rear corners of the flanges of the back rests are grooved pulleys 43 and 44, and operating in the grooves thereof is a coil spring d5 having its ends d6 and 47 extending forwardly and attached atthe base of the sockets 33 and 3das indicated at dit, the springs being stretched over the pulleys so that they `apply pressure to the back rests and move the enclosuresor the envelopes forwardly lagainst the rollers 38 on the cross lbars 37 as` the envelopes are withdrawn as l-ater described.

Also carried on the upper sections of the frame 12 and 13 at the rear portions thereof are shelves 49 and Stl` for supporting an ample stock of the enclosures or inserts that are placed withinthe respective racks, 19, 2li, 23 and 25. Also carried by the frame between the shelves 49 and Sil is a support 51 for a box 52 of empty envelopes as shown in Fig. l so that a supply ofV envelopes is retained in convenient reach for insertion in the rack 24.

Slidably supported in the center of the machine` and between the rack 24 andthe box support 2l is a drawer* like envelope stacking box 53, having sides 5d and 55, a back 56, a top 57, a bottom 5S, and an open front 59, the box 53 being of a size to` accommodate the lled envelopes in stacked` relation` therein, which envelopes are discharged from an assembling unit 60 that is carried by avesse? 3 the main portion or' the frame intermediate the racl-:s 19 and Ztl as later to be described.

The drawer-like b x 53 is guidingly supported Within a cage 6l having the front, rear and sides formed by vertical rods 62 that are connected by transverse rods 63 and which guide an elevator 64 therebetween. The rods 62 forming the front of the cage extend forwardly and upwardly to provide a sloping guide or chute 65 for carrying the envelopes from the assembling unit 6b into the drawerlike box 53. The box 53 is yieldingly supported in the elevator 64 which is resiliently supported in the cage; against weight of the box by coil springs 66 that are attached at their upper ends to the intermediate rails l@ and l1 of the main frame and at their lower ends to the side ends of the elevator 64. The springs have the proper tension so that as the filled envelopes are discharged into the box, the box gradually moves downwardly into the cage 61 under weight of the envelopes so as to retain the filled envelopes in orderly stacked relation.

The assembling unit 60 includes a trough-like member 67 having a back 68, ends 69 and 7b, and front 71, the front and ends being of relatively less depth than the back to form a shallow pocket 67', in which the envelopes are inserted for receiving the enclosures. The front 71 is preferably provided with a cut-out portion 72 and the corners 73 are preferably curved outwardly to allow spreading of the insert opening of the envelope. The ends of the trough-like member have trunnions 7d and '75 that are journalled in brackets 76 and '77 which are attached to the forward ends of the intermediate rails It@ and 11 as shown in Fig. l. The member 67 is thus adapted to pivot on the trunnions and swing backwardly to discharge the filled envelope onto the chtite 65. v

ln order to automatically open the ap of the envelope as the envelopes are withdrawn from the rack 24, the for ward edge of the upturned portion 26 of the rack 24 is provided with a downwardly curved extension 78 that overlaps the rearwardly curved upper edge '79 of the back portion 68 of the trough-like member so as to limit forward swinging movement of the trough-like member on its trunnions. Fixed to the ends of the extension 78 are fiap opening fingers S that extend inwardly across the path of the envelopes as they are successively drawn from the rack 24. The rear edges 3l of the ngers are positioned nearer the forward face of the extension 78 than the front edges 82 so as to form cam-like under surfaces 83 which gradually raise and lift the closure flap of the envelope as the envelope is `drawn downwardly over the extension 78.

Cooperating with the fiap opening fingers are pressure fingers S4 that extend inwardly of the lower portion of the extension 78 to engage the opened flap of the envelope at a point just above the fold line thereof so as to hold the closure flap in retracted position when the back side of the envelope is drawn therefrom to permit insertion of the enclosures.

After insertion of enclosures, the trough-like member is swung retractively on its trunnions which movement withdraws the flap from under the pressure fingers and as the flap moves downwardly under the lower free edge 85 of the extension, the closure flap is automatically moved into contact with the back side of the'envelope. When the trough-like member is moved to a position where the upper edge of the trough-like member strikes the chtite, the filled envelope slides therefrom and down the chute into the drawer-like box 53.

ln order to facilitate tipping of the trough-like member, the left hand end thereof is provided with a finger grip 36 that may be readily engaged by the left hand of the operator, while the right hand is used in completing insertion of the enclosures.

When envelopes are used in a machine having gummed sealing flaps and it is necessary to moisten and seal the gummed flaps, the machine may be provided with a gumming and pressure seal mechanism that is associated with the assembling unit 60 as Shown in Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive. When this attachment is used, the member 26 is removed and a water box 37 is suitably mounted on the supporting frame of the machine preferably under the rack which supports the empty envelopes and which has tubes 88 and 89 connected with the respective ends thereof and with the ends of a transverse tube 96, that extends across the upward extension of the trough-like member 67 and which has a sponge element 9i that is mounted in a slot in the transverse tube 90 and in a position to engage the gum of the envelope as the envelope is moved into the troughlike member of the assembling unit as shown in Fig. 5.

in order to positively close the fiap when the filled envelope is heilig discharged, a folding and envelope turning mechanism is inserted between the chute 65 and the trough-like member 67, the chute 65 being spaced from the trough-like member to accommodate a V-shaped pocket member 92 therebetween. The V-shaped pocket member 92 having one side 92 pivotally mounted above the chute on a cross red 93. rThe opposite side 92 is connected by links 94 with ears 95 that project rearwardly from the upward extension of the trough-like member as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

Mounted on a bracket 96 that projects rearwardly from the trough-like member is a pressure and ejecting member 97 having a circular periphery which operates through a slot 98 in the forward side 92" of the pocket member 92 to cooperate with a pad 99 that is carried by the opposite side 92' of the pocket. In filling position of the assembling unit 60, the trough-like member is in the position shown in Fig. 6. When the envelope is filled and the trough-like member 67 is pivoted retractively on the trunnions 74 and 75, the link 94 rocks the V-shaped pocket member 92 to the position shown in Fig. 7 so' that when the filled envelope slides out of the trough-like member 67, the closure flap side of the envelope slides downwardly into the V of the pocket member with thev closure ap adjacent the pad 99.

When the rocking movement of the trough-like member is completed and its return movement is started, the pressure and ejecting member 97 passes through the slot 98 and presses against the envelope to effect sealing of the closure flap and as the member 97 continues movement, it ejects or sweeps the envelope out of the pocket member and onto the chute. This form of the invention is useful with the basic machine when the aps are not to be sealed because the envelopes are delivered into the box 53 with the iaps facing downwardly incidental to reversal of the envelopes when being transferred by the member 92, and as the envelope is delivered to the box 53 by the chute 65 it drops from said chute ontol the previously delivered envelope below the end of said chute whereby the flap on the previously deposited envelope does not interfere with deposit of a following envelope.

In using the machine constructed and assembled as described, the operator takes the position in front of the machine as shown in Fig. 1 and removes enclosures from the storage shelves and places the enclosures in the respective racks 19, 2t), 23 and 25. The operator will also remove a supply of envelopes from the storage box which is supported at the back of the machine and places them in the rack 24. An envelope will be withdrawn from the rack 24 and move downwardly over the guide and under the flap opening fingers and deposited into the trough-like member. The operator will then remove an enclosure from each of the racks 19, 20, 23 and 25 and insert the gathered enclosures into the envelope which is being loosely retained in the trough-like member 67. During this operation the trough-like member is prevented from movement by the operator holding onto the finger grip thereof.

The filled envelope is then discharged by rocking the trough-like member 67 backwardly as shown in Fig. 4

massig-6a? to discharge thev envelope onto' the chute and. into the open` front of the stack container. As the envelopes are filledand depositedirtthestaclr` container, the stack container moves downwardly under the weight of the envelopesto keep the top of the stack below the end of the discharge chute. When the box containing the envelopes ati the rear of the machine is'` emptied, the drawer-like container is withdrawn from` the top end' of the machine and the filled envelopes therein are removed and placed in the empty container ready for mailing. When the form of invention shown in. Fig. is used with the basic machine the part 26 is removed and the moisteninglmechanism applied. In thisinstance the transverse tubei acts to open the envelope fiap as the envelope flap is moved thereunder into'the trough-like pocket 67. When therenclosures are gatheredv from the various racks and assembled they are placed within' the open envelope. The operator engaging the finger grip 86 swings the trough-like member backwardly to an inclined position shownv in Fig. 7 sothat' theenvelope slides therefrom into the; pocket member 92 which through its link connection with the.` trough-like member has been pivoted or rocked upwardlyto receive the envelope therein with the flap `thereof facing downwardly as shown in Fig. 7. The trough-like member is now rocked to filling position. During this movement the pressure member 97 passes through theslot 98 of the pocket member 92 as the pocket member` is pivot'ed` rearwardly in` the direction of the chute 65 by movement of the link' connection 94. When the member97` contacts the envelope the pressure thereof. cooperating with the padTv 99` effects the seal of the closure fiap of the envelope and final movement of the trough-likem'ember (7i carries the member 97 away from the envelope in such av mannerl that it throws or sweeps theienvelope into the chute 65.; Attention is here directed tot the fact that relative resilience is provided between the padi 99 andthe member 97. This may be effected as described byusing a resilient pad. This form of the invention may also be used with the basic machine when the moistening` mechanism is removed because it has the further advantage of positively closing the aps of the envelopes-and delivering the envelopes into the box with the flaps downwardly.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that I have provided a-. semi-automatic machine tofacilitate gathering and assembling enclosures and the placement of the enclosures in the envelope for mailing;

What I claim a'ndtdesireto` secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A machine toV facilitate manual filling of envelopes including, a supporting frame, means on said frame for supporting a stack.` of envelopes and having a forwardly andi` downwardly extending guide across which the envelopes are individually withdrawn from the stack, a trough-like member having front and back portions fixed in-` spaced apart relation by a bottom portion to loosely contain an envelope therebetween and said back portion forming a continuation of the forwardly and downwardly extending guide of the stack support in one position of the trough-like member, means pivotally mounting the trough-like member on the support in said one position for receiving an envelope that is withdrawn over the guide, and means associated with the guide for opening the closure fiap 4of the envelope and holding the closure flap in open position while the envelope is in said troughlike member and while enclosures are inserted into the envelope, said trough-like member being pivoted to another position to `discharge the filled envelope therefrom.

2. A machine to facilitate manual filling of envelopes including, a supporting frame, means on said frame for supporting a stack of envelopes and having a forwardly and downwardly extending guide across which the envelopes are individually withdrawn from the stack, a trough-like member having front and back portions fixed in spaced apart relation by a bottom portion to loosely contain anY envelope therebetween` and said*Y back portion forming a' continuation` of. the forwardly and downwardly extending; guide of the stack support` in, one position of the trough-like member, means pivotally mounting the trough-like member on the support in said one position for receiving an envelope thatis withdrawn over the guide, means associated with the: guide for opening the closure flap of the envelope and holding the closure fiap in open position while; the: envelopeis. in.. said'l trough.- like member and while enclosures are inserted into the envelope, said trough-like" member being movable on its pivotal mounting to discharge the filled envelope', a container carried by the supporting frame,V and` a chute' carried by the supporting frame: in receiving relation. with the trough-like` member for conveying the discharged envelopes into the container.

3. A machine tofacilitate manual filling, of envelopes inciuding, a supporting iframe, meansron said frame for supporting a stach` of envelopes and having` a forwardly and downwardly extending guidel across which the envelopes are individuallyy withdrawn from. the stack, a trough-like member having; front and back portions fixed in' spaced apart relation by aV bottom portion t'ol loosely contain an envelope therebetween and said. backportion forming af continuation of the forwardly and downwardly extending guide of thestack support in.v one position of the trough-like member, means pivotally mounting the trough-like member on the support in saidone position for receiving an envelope tha-t is withdrawn over the guide, means associated with the guide for'opening` the closure flap of the envelope and holding the closure ap in' openl position while theenvelopetistin, said trough-like member and while enclosures are: inserted into the envelope, said trough-likeV member` being movabley on" its pivotal mounting to discharge the filled enveiope, a` conrainer carried by the supporting, frame, a` chute carried by the supporting' frametin receiving relation with the trough-like member for conveying the discharged en:- velopes intol the container, andmeans yieldingly supporting the container on. the supportingfframe-` for downward movement relative to saidy chute-'under weight of the lled envelopes that have been deposited therein.

4. A machine to facilitate manualy filling of envelopes including, a` supporting frame, racks supported on the frame at upper and lower levels and in. a. position facing an operators position, means associated with the racks for pushing the enclosures forwardly as:` the enclosures are withdrawn, an assembly unit pivotally mounted on the frame intermediate the lowermost racks, a rack intermediate the uppermost racks for containing a supply of empty envelopes, means for guiding the envelopes individually from the envelope supply rack into. the assembly unit including means for opening` closureflaps ofV the envelopes when the envelope is moved into the assembly unit, a` container carried. byV the frame, means: carried by the frame for receiving filled envelopes fromA the assembly unit and depositing the filled envelopes into the container when the assembly unit is pivoted away from receiving relation with said envelope supporting rack, said closure Hap opening means including means for moistening gum on the closure flap of the envelopes, and flap closing and pressure applying means having an operative connection with the assembly unit for closing and sealing the closure iiap when the assembly unit is pivoted to discharge position.

5. In a machine of the character described, a supporting frame, means on said frame for supporting a stack of envelopes and having a forwardly and downwardly extending guide across which the envelopes are individually withdrawn from the stack, a trough-like member having a back portion forming a continuation of the forwardly and downwardly extending guide of the stack support in one position of the trough-like member, means pivotally mounting the trough-like member on the supassegna? port in said one position for receiving an envelope that is withdrawn over the guide, means associated with the guide for opening the closure fiap of the envelope and 'holding the closure flap in open position while the envelope is in said trough-like member and While enclosures are inserted into the envelope, said trough-like member being pivoted to a second position to discharge the filled envelope therefrom, envelope inverting means in receiving relation with said second position of the trough-like member, operating means connecting the inverting means with the trough-like member for actuating the inverting means for movement of the trough-like member to and from said positions and racks on the supporting frame for retaining supplies of the enclosures.

6. A machine forvfacilitatingthe manual filling of envelopes including, a supporting frame, means on said frame for supporting a stack of empty envelopes and having a forwardly and downwardly extending guide across which the envelopes are individually withdrawn from the stack, a trough-like member having a back portion forming a continuation of the forwardly and downwardly extending guide of the stack support in one position of the trough-like member, means pivotally mounting the trough-like member on the support in said one position for receiving an envelope that is withdrawn over the guide, means associated with the guide for opening the closure iiap of the envelope and holding the closure iiap in open position while the envelope is in said trough-like member and while enclosures are inserted into the envelope, said trough-like member being movable on its pivotal mounting to discharge the filled envelope, a container carried by the supporting frame, a chute carried by the supporting frame in receiving relation with the troughlike member for conveying the discharged envelopes into the container, means yieldingly supporting the container on the supporting frame for downward movement relative to said chute under weight of the filled envelopes that have been deposited therein, and racks on the supporting frame for retaining supplies of the enclosures.

7. A machine for facilitating the manual filling of envelopes including, a supporting frame, racks supported on the frame at upper and lower levels and in a position facing an operators position, means associated with the racks for pushing the enclosures forwardly as the enclosures are withdrawn, an assembly unit pivotally mounted on the frame intermediate the lowermost racks, a rack intermediate the uppermost racks and containing a supply of empty envelopes, means for guiding the envelopes individually from the envelope supply rack into the assembly unit including means for opening closure iiaps of the envelopes when the envelopes are moved into the assembly unit, means carried by the frame for receiving illed envelopes from the assembly unit, means for moistening gum on the opened flaps, and means between the assembly unit and the receiving means for closing and applying pressure to seal the liaps.

8. Afmachine for facilitating the manual filling of envelopes including, a supporting frame, racks supported on the frame at upper and lower levels for carrying stacks of enclosures in position facing van operators position, means associated with the racks'for pushing the enclosures forwardly as the enclosures are withdrawn, an assembly unit pivotally mounted on the frame intermediate the lowermost racks, a rack intermediate the uppermost racks and containing a supply of empty envelopes, means for guiding the envelopes individually from the envelope supply rack into the assembly unit including means for opening closure flaps of: the envelopes when the envelopes are moved into the assembly unit, means carried by the trarne for receiving lilled envelopes from the assembly unit, means for moistening gum on the opened flaps, and means between the assembly unit and the receiving means for closing and applying pressure to seal the flaps, said last named means being operated incidental to `pivotal movement of the assembly unit.

9. in a machine for facilitating the manual filling of envelopes, a supporting frame, an assembly unit pivotally mounted on the frame for holding an envelope to be filled, envelope inverting means pivotally carried by the frame in position to receive the envelope from said unit, means pivotally connecting said unit with the inverting means for actuating the inverting means when the assembly unit is pivoted from receiving to discharge positions, and means on said unit for engaging and sweeping the filled envelope from said inverting means.

10. A machine for facilitating the manual filling of envelopes including a frame, racks on said frame in a position facing an operators position for containing enclosures to be inserted in the envelopes, a rack on the supporting frame intermediate the first-named racks for containing a supply of empty envelopes, an assembly unit pivotally mounted on the frame in front of the lastnamed rack for holding an envelope withdrawn from the last-named rack while it is being lled with enclosures from the first-named racks, an open front container carried by the frame for receiving the filled envelopes in stacked position, envelope inverting means pivotally carried by the frame and pivotally connected with said unit for inverting filled envelopes discharged from the assembly unit when the assembly unit is pivoted from receiving to discharge positions, and means on said unit for engaging and sweeping the filled envelopes from said inverting means for advancement to said open front container when the assembly unit is pivoted to said receiving position.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 15,385 McCarthy June 13, 1922 1,090,499 Poler Mar. 17, 1914 1,886,119 Price Nov. 1, 1932 2,273,252 Cummins Feb. 17, 1942 

